BLAINE, Minn. (Friday, April 4, 2003) – The Minnesota Thunder acquired the rights to veteran midfielder Marco Ferruzzi in a trade with the Richmond Kickers, it was announced today.

Ferruzzi, last season’s captain and team MVP played the last four seasons with the Kickers, compiling 17 goals and eight assists in 118 games.

“Marco is one of the most respected players in the league,” said Thunder General Manager Jim Froslid. “I think our fans will like his style. He’s skillful, aggressive and intelligent.”

In 2002, the 32-year-old notched eight goals and two assists while leading the kickers to the A-League finals, where they lost 2-1 to Milwaukee in overtime.

Ferruzzi was selected sixth overall in the 1997 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Tampa Bay Mutiny. He appeared in 19 games, playing 578 minutes for the Mutiny in 1997.

A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Ferruzzi was a four-year starter from 1990 to 1993. During that time, he recorded a total of 13 goals and 16 assists and was named to the All-ACC team in 1992.

Ferruzzi also holds a USSF ‘A’ license, marking the third current Thunder player with the highest coaching badge. Amos Magee and Kevin Anderson also have an ‘A’ license. Ferruzzi will play a large role in the Thunder camp program.

FENGER SOLD TO VIRGINIA BEACH

The Thunder sold the rights of forward Jakob Fenger to Virginia Beach Mariners, it was announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fenger, a native of Aarhus, Denmark, played in 25 games recording eight goals, five assists in 1,660 minutes for the Thunder in 2002.

The Minnesota Thunder, founded in 1990, is a professional soccer franchise that plays in the Western Conference of the 19-team A-League. The Thunder's home schedule runs May through September at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Information on single-game and season tickets, as well as youth camps, can be found on the team's website www.mnthunder.com or by calling 763-785-3668.